Previously, in the past, a fight with one of the trainees and Mei decided to have a clash between them to determine who really is the strongest and so it began...
Candice twirled her wooden sword with ease, her confidence evident in her every movement. "You may have everyone else fooled, Mei," she said, her voice carrying across the courtyard, "but I'm not going to be intimidated by some flashy power. Show me what you've got."
Mei tightened her grip on her sword, the purple aura of the **Purple Aistia** still swirling around her. "I don't want to hurt you, Candice," she replied, her voice soft but steady. "This isn't just some flashy power. It's—"
"Save your excuses!" Candice interrupted, her eyes narrowing. "I don't need your pity. **Demonic Arts Level 4: Lightning!**"
Candice raised her free hand, and with a crackle, lightning surged from her fingertips, arcing toward Mei with blinding speed. Mei reacted instinctively, swinging her sword to deflect the bolt. The purple aura around her absorbed most of the impact, but the force of the lightning still sent a jolt through her body, making her stagger back.
"See? You're not invincible," Candice sneered, following up with a quick slash of her sword.
Mei recovered quickly, her expression determined. "I never said I was. But I won't back down!" She thrust her hand forward, and the ground beneath Candice's feet rumbled. "**Demonic Arts Level 5: Geo!**"
The earth responded to Mei's command, and jagged pillars of stone shot up from the ground, aiming to trap Candice. But Candice was fast, dodging and weaving between the pillars with practiced ease. She leaped into the air, her eyes locked onto Mei's.
"**Demonic Arts Level 2: Water!**" Candice shouted as she summoned a torrent of water that surged toward Mei in mid-air. The water formed a spiraling wave, intending to crash down on her opponent.
Mei didn't flinch. "**Demonic Arts Level 6: White!**" she countered, and a barrier of pure, shimmering energy formed around her, dissipating the water on impact. As the last of the water droplets fell, Mei's eyes met Candice's again, and this time, she was ready.
"**Demonic Arts Level 7: Flare!**" Mei called out, and with a swift motion, she unleashed a burst of searing flames from her palm. The flames roared toward Candice, who barely managed to block the attack with her own **White** shield. The heat was intense, causing Candice to grit her teeth as she was forced back.
"You're strong," Candice admitted, her voice strained, "but I'm not done yet!"
She pushed forward, her sword crackling with electricity as she swung at Mei again. The two swords clashed, sparks flying as lightning met the force of Mei's **Purple Aistia**. The impact sent shockwaves through the courtyard, but neither girl gave an inch.
The duel between Mei and Candice escalated rapidly, with each girl pushing the other to their limits. Mei summoned pillars of stone to trap Candice, who countered with bursts of lightning and water to keep Mei at bay. Their swords clashed again and again, the sound of wood striking wood echoing in the courtyard.
"You're not bad, Candice," Mei said, her voice steady despite the exertion. "But you're not going to win."
Candice smirked, deflecting a fiery blast with her **White** shield. "We'll see about that, Mei!"
Mei's eyes narrowed as she unleashed a series of quick strikes, forcing Candice to backpedal. Candice retaliated by sending a crackling bolt of lightning toward Mei, who barely managed to deflect it with her sword. The ground beneath them shook as they continued their fierce exchange, both girls refusing to back down.
"I won't lose!" Candice shouted, her determination clear.
Mei responded with a calm, focused gaze. "Neither will I."
The pace of the fight suddenly accelerated, the girls moving in a blur as their swords clashed with lightning speed. Mei's strikes grew more precise, each one aimed at breaking through Candice's defenses.
Candice gritted her teeth, struggling to keep up with Mei's relentless assault. "You're fast… but I won't give in!"
Mei's expression remained calm, but her strikes were merciless. In a final burst of energy, she disarmed Candice, sending her sword flying. Candice fell to one knee, breathing heavily as she looked up at Mei, who stood over her with the purple aura still swirling around her.
"It's over, Candice," Mei said softly, lowering her sword. "You fought well, but this fight is mine."
Candice nodded, a mix of frustration and respect in her eyes. "You're strong, Mei… but next time, I'll be stronger."
Mei smiled, the purple aura fading as she extended a hand to help Candice up. "I'll be waiting."
—------
The grand hall of the mansion echoed with laughter as Mei darted around, her pink hair a blur as she evaded her older sister's grasp. The two were playing tag, their giggles filling the expansive space. Mei was the youngest daughter of the powerful Karion family, a family renowned throughout the country for their immense influence, wealth, and mastery over demonic arts. Her father, Karion, was a man of great stature, both in society and in the world of demons, respected and feared by many.
"Slow down, Mei!" her sister called, laughing as she tried to catch up.
"You'll never catch me!" Mei teased, her voice light with the carefree joy of youth.
Just as Mei was about to dart around another corner, Carter, her father's trusted henchman, burst into the hall, his expression grave. "Master Karion! Urgent news!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the playful atmosphere.
Instantly, the mood shifted. Mei skidded to a halt, her sister following suit. From the grand staircase, Karion descended with an air of authority, his presence commanding attention. Mei's mother emerged from her room, her face etched with curiosity and concern.
"What's the matter, Carter?" Karion's voice was steady, but there was a tension beneath it that only those close to him could discern.
Carter, catching his breath, looked between the family members, his eyes finally settling on Mei. "It's about Mei, Master. The Commission of Lords has made a discovery."
The room fell into a stunned silence. Mei's mother stepped closer, her elegant features tightening with worry. "What discovery?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"The Commission of Lords," Carter explained, "is an ancient and powerful body tasked with identifying individuals with the potential to become the next Demon Lord. They've determined that… Mei is a Demon Lord candidate."
Shock rippled through the room. Mei's sister gasped, and their mother's hand flew to her mouth in disbelief. Karion's eyes narrowed, his gaze hardening as he looked at his youngest daughter.
"Are you certain?" Karion's voice was low, laced with the gravity of the revelation.
Carter nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Master. The commission's findings are undeniable. Her strength, her affinity with demonic arts… it all points to her being a prodigy, destined for something far greater."
Mei, still processing the words, looked up at her father, confusion mingling with curiosity. "Father, what does this mean?"
Karion knelt down, meeting her gaze with a mixture of pride and concern. "It means, Mei, that you are destined for a path few can walk. You have within you the potential to become the next Demon Lord—a being of immense power and responsibility."
Her sister, who had always looked out for Mei, now stared at her with a mixture of pride and trepidation. "So that's why you've always been so strong…"
Their mother, still grappling with the news, finally spoke, her voice trembling. "But… she's just a child."
Karion stood, placing a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder. "Yes, but she's also much more than that. Mei is our future, and we must ensure she's prepared for the trials ahead."
The realization began to sink in for everyone. Mei's exceptional abilities, her rapid progress in training, her uncanny affinity with demonic arts—it all made sense now. She wasn't just a gifted child; she was a candidate for the highest position of power in their world.
Mei's sister managed a smile, trying to hide her anxiety. "You're amazing, Mei. I always knew you were special."
Mei blinked, the weight of the revelation settling on her young shoulders. "I'm… a Demon Lord candidate?"
Karion nodded, his gaze firm. "Yes. From this day forward, your life will change. You will be trained, guided, and prepared for a destiny that few could ever hope to achieve."
Mei glanced at her mother, who offered a shaky but supportive smile. "We'll be with you every step of the way, Mei."
Carter, who had been observing the family's reaction, cleared his throat. "Master Karion, the Commission of Lords believes that with proper guidance, Mei can become a force to be reckoned with. Her potential is extraordinary."
Karion's expression hardened with determination. "Then we will ensure that she reaches that potential. She will be ready."
---
Years passed, and Mei's training intensified under the strict supervision of her instructors. By the age of 15, she had surpassed most of her peers, displaying a level of skill and power that was nothing short of extraordinary. The Karion family's reputation only grew, as it became clear that Mei was not just a prodigy, but a true candidate for the title of Demon Lord.
One day, during an intense training session, Mei decided to push her limits further. She had been practicing the art of energy condensation—drawing in and compressing her energy to create room for more, an advanced technique that required immense focus and control.
She found a secluded spot in the training grounds, a large rock in the middle of a tranquil clearing. Sitting cross-legged atop the rock, Mei closed her eyes, focusing inward. She began the process, pulling her energy inward, tighter and tighter, compacting it within her core.
Hours passed as she continued, her mind and body in perfect sync. Sweat dripped down her forehead, but she ignored it, her concentration unbroken. The world around her seemed to fade away as she focused solely on the energy within her.
Then, without warning, a surge of power erupted from within her. The air around Mei vibrated with energy as her body was enveloped in a brilliant blue aura. Her hair, once pink, now flowed like a river of blue silk, her eyes glowing with an intense azure light.
The ground trembled, and nearby trainees, who had been observing from a distance, began to feel an unsettling fear creeping into their hearts. The sheer force of Mei's power was overwhelming, unlike anything they had witnessed before.
One of the trainees, voice trembling, whispered to another, "Is this… really Mei? She's terrifying…"
Another trainee nodded, eyes wide with awe. "She's reached Level 36 Blue Aistia… I didn't think it was possible."
Mei's aura pulsated, radiating waves of power that seemed to bend the very air around her. She slowly opened her eyes, and for a moment, the world stood still.
Her instructor, who had been watching with a mix of pride and concern, stepped forward cautiously. "Mei… you've done it. You've crossed the threshold."
Mei looked at her hands, now glowing with a soft blue light. She felt a sense of calm amidst the immense power she had unlocked. "I… I can feel it. This power… it's like nothing I've ever experienced."
The instructor nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You've truly become something extraordinary, Mei. But remember, with this power comes even greater responsibility."
Mei stood, her aura slowly dissipating but the power still thrumming within her. She turned to face the trainees, who were still watching in stunned silence.
One of them, unable to contain his admiration, called out, "Mei, you're incredible! How did you do it?"
Mei smiled, her voice steady and sure. "By never giving up. By pushing beyond my limits… and by believing in the strength within me."
The trainees exchanged glances, their initial fear giving way to respect and admiration. Mei's journey was far from over, but in that moment, she had taken a significant step towards her destiny as the future Demon Lord.
As time passed, Mei's energy became more stable, and she was able to maintain her Blue Aistia form for extended periods. It felt like everything was finally coming together for her, or so she thought. But years went by, and despite all her efforts, she never advanced beyond Level 36. No matter how much she trained, no matter who trained her, she remained stuck.
Was this a limit? The furthest she could go? Mei questioned herself constantly. But she couldn't give up. Her country needed a Demon Lord, a strong leader to ensure its survival in a world where other Demon Lords might overtake them with their sheer strength. Yet, despite all the pressure and her relentless determination, the years continued to pass. By the age of 28, she still hadn't progressed.
She kept this weakness a secret from her family, suffering in silence. The weight of her failure, the fear of not living up to her destiny, bore down on her every day. Even though I wasn't there to see it, I could imagine the frustration and despair Mei must have felt, knowing the fate of her country rested on her shoulders, and yet she couldn't move forward.
Mei was always strong, but this was a battle she fought alone, hiding her pain behind a determined façade.
Mei walked slowly along the riverbank, the sun warming her face as she looked out over the gentle ripples of the water. Her thoughts were heavy, each step feeling like a burden.
*Why am I even here?* Mei thought, her eyes fixed on the shimmering surface. *I should be training, pushing myself harder. But what's the point?*
The peaceful surroundings were a stark contrast to her internal struggle. *It's been years since I reached Level 36. Why can't I progress further?* She sighed deeply. *Is this really the limit?*
She paused, staring at her reflection in the water. *Maybe someone else will become the Demon Lord. Maybe I'm not cut out for this after all.*
Her reflection wavered as a light breeze disturbed the water. *But this country needs a Demon Lord. It needs someone strong enough to lead and protect. I've trained so hard... I can't just give up now, can I?*
A shadow of doubt crossed her face as she looked up at the sky. *The other Demon Lords will only grow stronger. If I don't advance, what's going to happen to this place?*
Mei took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her responsibilities. *I can't let this be the end. I need to find a way to push through, to break past this barrier. There has to be something more I can do.*
As she turned away from the river, determination began to replace the frustration. *No matter how difficult it is, I have to keep trying. For the sake of my country, for my future as a Demon Lord, I won't give up.*
---
Mei trudged along the riverbank, the sun high and merciless above her. She stared at the shimmering water, lost in thought, her usual vibrant aura dimmed by doubt. The weight of her stagnation in her powers felt heavier than the summer heat.
"Why can't I get any better?" Mei murmured to herself. "I've tried everything. Is this as far as I'll ever go?"
As she contemplated her fate, she heard the rustling of footsteps behind her. Lumine, her younger sister, emerged from the trees, her presence a stark contrast to the oppressive quiet of the riverbank.
"Hey, Mei," Lumine called out, her voice filled with warmth. "What are you doing all the way out here?"
Mei forced a smile. "Just taking a walk. Needed some time to clear my head."
Lumine's eyes narrowed with concern. "It's scorching out here. Why don't you come sit under the shed? I brought us some juice."
Mei hesitated, but Lumine's gentle insistence won out. She followed her sister to a shaded spot, where Lumine handed her a cold can of juice.
"Thanks," Mei said, taking a sip. The coolness was a small relief from the heat, but it did little to ease her internal struggle.
Lumine sat beside her, her gaze steady and understanding. "You know, Mei, I've noticed something's been bothering you for a while now. It's not like you to keep things to yourself."
Mei looked away, feeling the sting of unspoken frustrations. "It's nothing. Just... I'm not progressing. I'm stuck at level 36, and I don't know why. I've trained for years, but nothing changes. I don't think I'll ever reach the level needed to be a demon lord."
Lumine's expression softened. "I see. Mei, you're way stronger than me, and I know you've got potential beyond what you think. It's normal to hit a wall sometimes. But you're resilient. You've always been."
Tears welled up in Mei's eyes. "I'm so tired, Lumine. I thought I could push through, but it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle."
Without a word, Lumine pulled Mei into a comforting embrace. Mei clung to her sister, tears streaming down her face. Lumine's soothing presence was a balm to her anguished spirit.
"You're not alone in this," Lumine said softly. "You've got more strength in you than you realize. I believe in you, Mei. Even if it's tough now, you can overcome this."
Mei nodded
As Lumine and Mei walked back home, Lumine shared her dream with a bright smile. "You know, Mei, I want to open a trading center in the future. One that connects every corner of this world," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "But for that, I'll need a demon lord's support. So if you be
come one, it would make my life a lot easier," she added with a playful giggle.
Mei couldn't help but smile at her sister's optimism, feeling a bit lighter as they made their way home together.
To be continued...